Multifunctional Layer-by-Layer Coating Based on a New Amphiphilic Block Copolymer via RAFT-Mediated...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Smart coatings are gaining attention for their diverse applications.
• The layer-by-layer (LbL) technique is a common method for creating smart coatings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional smart coating with healing, antifogging, and fluorescence properties.
• To utilize the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of anionic amphiphilic block copolymer latex and cationic inorganic polyhedral-oligomeric-silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel anionic block copolymer (PSS-b-PAAEMA) via surfactant-free RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization using the PISA technique.
• Fabrication of the LbL coating by sequential dipping of amine-modified glass in anionic latex and cationic POSS solutions.
• Characterization using 1H NMR, DLS, SEM, TEM, UV-vis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The transparent coating displayed blue fluorescence under UV light.
• Effective antifogging performance was confirmed using cold-warm and hot-vapor techniques.
• The coating demonstrated significant self-healing activity with over 75% healing efficiency due to ionic interactions.

Conclusions:

• A simple, water-based, low volatile organic compound (VOC) LbL coating with multiple functionalities was successfully fabricated.
• This multifunctional coating shows potential for a wide range of applications in materials science and beyond.